Exploring Civilian Psychologist Positions within the Military

I'm interested in psychology and curious about civilian psychologist roles available in the military. What paths can I take post-graduation to secure such a position, and what unique opportunities might this offer?

Great that you're exploring options in psychology, as this field can be quite diverse and rewarding. As a civilian psychologist working for the military, there are several paths you can go into post-graduation.

The military often contracts with civilian psychologists to provide services to servicemen and servicewomen, as well as their families. These roles typically require a doctoral degree in psychology, usually a PsyD or PhD, with a focus in a relevant field such as clinical or counseling psychology. You'll also need to have a valid state license to practice psychology.

One path to consider is an internship or post-graduate fellowship in a Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital. The military and VA hospitals have excellent training programs that give you exposure to the specific issues you might encounter in this population—such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and combat stress.

Once you've completed your education and gained experience, you can apply for positions with organizations like the Department of Defense (DoD), federal prisons, or directly with military branches like the Army or Air Force. Civilian psychologists in the military may provide direct therapy to active duty military personnel, veterans, and their families, or they could conduct research on military mental health, among other patients.

The unique opportunities in this line of work stem from the specific population you'd be working with—members of the military deal with particular stressors and experiences that can make this work uniquely challenging and gratifying. You have the chance to make a significant impact on the lives of people who serve and protect the country, as well as the potential for job roles across the country or even the world due to military bases' global locations.

Remember, becoming a licensed psychologist involves significant education and training beyond undergraduate studies, so start planning your path now to ensure you meet all the requirements and are prepared for this rewarding career. Good luck with your journey!